A SENIOR police officer is being investigated over allegations of sexual assault, The Northern Echo has learned.

The Cleveland Police officer, who has been commended for his work in the past, was arrested at his home on Friday, March 2 in relation to alleged sex assaults.

He has been suspended while the investigation is carried out.

The Northern Echo understands a number of alleged offences are being looked into.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "On Friday, March 2 a serving police officer was arrested at his home in Stockton-on-Tees in relation to allegations of sexual assault.

"The officer has been suspended, without prejudice, and has been released under investigation.”

The Northern Echo has also learned that alleged victims have been asked to sign confidentiality agreements by police, with some saying they felt unable to seek support.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "In the early stages of the investigation a number of names of potential victims were revealed to Cleveland Police.

"At this stage, without further information, individuals were contacted and in some cases, in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation, they were asked to sign confidentiality notices.

"We are in the process of clarifying this with those individuals."